All-Electric 2024 Volvo EX90 Is a Swanky, Software-Rich SUV That Seats 7

Volvo today unveiled a new all-electric SUV, the EX90, which will hit dealers in 2024, though interested customers can reserve(Opens in a new window) one now with a $500 deposit.

It’s the brand’s first EV built from the ground up to run on battery-power, whereas its other two electrics—the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge—are revamped versions of existing gas-powered architecture, Car & Driver reports(Opens in a new window).

Volvo plans to only sell electric vehicles by 2030. The inclusion of “90” in the new SUV’s name invokes the brand’s popular gas-powered XC90 SUV, while rebranding it for the all-electric era.

(Credit: Volvo)

Technology is a key part of Volvo’s EV strategy, and the EX90 is essentially a suped-up smartphone on wheels. Every corner of it features a wide range of technology from well-known partners like Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Epic Games (creator of Fortnite).

“Your Volvo EX90 won’t be just a new car, it will be a highly advanced computer on wheels,” Volvo says(Opens in a new window). “Even better, just like your smartphone or your laptop, the Volvo EX90 is designed to get better over time, thanks to regular over-the-air software updates.”

Battery, Range, and Charging

(Credit: Volvo)

The Volvo EX90 can go 300 miles on a single charge, which is relatively high compared to EVs on the road today, but it will be industry standard based on the launches we’ve seen for 2024. For example, the 2024 GMC Sierra Denali pickup truck will have a 400-mile range, and a new Audi electric SUV announced today has a 373-mile range on its higher-end models. The EX90’s charge time is also relatively standard, powering in 30 minutes on a public fast charger. At-home charging typically takes four or more hours for electric vehicles.

More interesting is the vehicles bi-directional charging capability, meaning drivers can use the car battery as a generator to power other devices. Outlets on the car allow you to plug in your phone charger, TV, and more. Not many vehicles have this capability today, but the Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck is probably the most well known.

“The Volvo EX90 is our first car with all the necessary hardware to enable bi-directional charging,” says Volvo. “It’s a technology whereby you can use your car battery as an extra energy supply, for example to power your home, other electric devices or another electric Volvo car. We plan to make bi-directional charging available in the future, starting with selected markets.”

Most Noteworthy Features

Large, 14.5-inch dash screen
(Credit: Volvo)

The EX90 is all about technology and software. Volvo is particularly excited about its new LiDAR—or “light detection ranging software—which surveys the vehicle’s surroundings and nudges distracted drivers back to safety. The EX90 is one of the first vehicles to commercialize this technology, which is typically used by scientists and geologists(Opens in a new window).

The LiDAR is “connected to the car’s high-performance core computers, where Nvidia Drive runs Volvo Cars’ in-house software to create a real-time, 360-degree view of the world.” Inside the car, eye-tracking cameras “gauge concentration” and nudge the driver if they’re “distracted, drowsy or otherwise inattentive.”

“Our sensors don’t get tired or distracted,” Volvo says. “They are designed to respond and react when you’re just a fraction too late. It’ll alert you, first softly nudging, then more insistent.”

Volvo promises a large trunk size, though hasn’t provided specific dimensions yet.
(Credit: Volvo)

A 14.5-inch dash screen features infotainment options from Epic Games, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. The car promises “some of the world’s largest games…lightning-fast computing power and high-quality graphics on the in-car screen.”

Three rows of seven total seats
(Credit: Volvo)

Price and Competition

Volvo says the EX90 will start at “under $80,000,” but adding all the safety and infotainment features will likely run up the price. The upper end for vehicles in its class—like those from Tesla, Rivian, BMW, or Audi—are around $100,000.

It would be surprising if the EX90 exceeded that threshold, although it’s certainly possible. Tesla’s “full self driving” alone costs $15,000, and is administered via an over-the-air update like those Volvo will deploy to the EX90.

Specs Summary

• Model Year: 2024

• Price: $80,000

• Seats: 7

• Range: 300 miles

• Charge Time: 30 minutes on a public, level 3 charger

• Dash Screen Size: 14.5 inches

• Self Driving Capabilities: Pilot Assist(Opens in a new window), drowsy driver nudges

• Trunk Size: TBD, Volvo says “large” trunk

• Torque:  671 lb. ft.

• Time to go 0 to 60:  4.7 seconds

• Horsepower: 496hp

• Battery warranty: Volvo EVs have a 8 year/100K mile warranty (whichever occurs first)